Chapter Text
The blazing Nevada sun shines through the clouds onto the sandy, energon-coated ground. The bodies of several Vehicons litter the outside of the energon mine, completely dismantled.
Optimus Prime drives his energon axe into the helm of a Vehicon. Exposed internal wires spark and sputter, blue energon pouring out and running down their decemated helm. There’s an awful moment where the Vehicon lives and struggles to grasp at the handle.
The Vehicon knows it will not remain online much longer.
Optimus knows this too.
With a grunt, the Prime places his pede onto the back of the blade, stepping it further into their processor. The Vehicon’s red optic visor flickers off as they finally terminate under his weapon. Optimus yanks his axe out, already turning away from the body. He retracts his mask and holds two digits to the side of his helm as he comms his medic. “Optimus to Base: status report?”
Static crackles as the connection is established. “Base to Optimus: that was the last Vehicon at this outpost– Arcee and Bulkhead already dealt with those deeper in the energon mine. Bumblebee remains on watch. Impressive work.” Ratchet acknowledges gruffly.
Optimus dips his helm approvingly even though Ratchet is unable to see. “Your appreciation is noted, old friend. Inform Arcee, Bulkhead, and Bumblebee to report to my location for a Groundbridge back to the base.”
Optimus cuts off the link after Ratchet’s acknowledgment, turning to face the energon mine. He had terminated many Vehicons this cycle. There once was a time when he could never see himself taking the spark of another. It pained him knowing he had to resort to such violence, but such is the way of war.
The telltale glint of sunlight on metal catches Optimus’ optics, and he looks closer.
Laserbeak.
It seems the Decepticons would get word of the takeover of the energon mine sooner than he previously anticipated. The drone spreads its wings and takes off, bailing once noticing the Prime’s optics on it.
Optimus watches the retreat silently.
“Our energon reserves are critically low,” Megatron growls at Shockwave, resting back against his throne condescendingly, “and yet, you wish for me to spare you some for your… project?”
“Your understanding is incorrect,” Shockwave states, standing before his leader. “Requiring energon would be illogical. I am introducing the possibility of a renewable fuel source.”
Starscream scoffs, finding the notion absurd. “Ah yes, a new fuel source,” He mocks sassily, “If that were possible, we’d already have multiple fuel sources at our disposal.” He lets out an indignant squawk as Megatron hits him upside the helm. Megatron’s optics gleam with interest at Shockwave’s proclamation. Before he could inquire further, however, Soundwave quietly enters the throne room.
Soundwave dips his helm in acknowledgment, and Megatron feels a surge of satisfaction. His optics dart to glare at Starscream; at least one of his mechs knew how to show respect.
“Soundwave, report.” Megatron orders.
“Admission: Soundwave gathered information regarding Energon Mine #13. Confession: Information gathered not positive.”
Megatron lets out a heavy ex-vent. “Very well. Proceed.”
“Statement: Autobots have captured Energon Mine #13. Vehicons injured: 0. Vehicon survivors: 0.”
Megatron’s servos tighten on the armrests of his throne in frustration. That energon mine was one of the Decepticon’s main reserves. With the loss, it would only be so long until his troops starved. “Worthless Vehicons,” He hisses. “How they even manage to stand upright confounds me.” His smoldering gaze shifts to Shockwave, “Inform us of this plan of yours.”
Shockwave’s posture straightens once the spotlight is once again returned to him. “Most of Earth’s plant life is self-sustaining under sufficient sunlight. Humans have also created a primitive technology that sustains machinery called ‘solar panels’. If you should allow me to experiment, combining these two could hypothetically have Cybertronians photosynthesizing.”
Starscream sneers. “Very well. Retrieve these ‘solar panels’ from the insects. I see not how we could benefit from plants if they have already made something to power machinery. Leave the pathetic foliage and fetch only the panels,” he barks, “That is an order.”
“Overruled.” Megatron rumbles. In truth, he agrees with Starscream’s reasoning. But, he also doesn’t particularly like him. Starscream gawks in offense, but says nothing to not get hit again.
“Solar panels are efficient on the adjacent primitive technology.” Shockwave elaborates. “Cybertronian physiology is much too complex, as we are living beings. I would be attempting to translate the organic process of photosynthesis into the mechanical properties of solar panels.”
Starscream tilts his helm up in a commanding manner, “Yes, but we aren’t organic! I fail to—”
“Starscream,” Megatron begins, exasperation filling his frame as his patience wears thin, “You fail to do many things. How about we keep our intakes shut when faced with things we don’t understand, hm?” He suggests, voice laced with menace and thinly veiled warning.
Starscream’s intake audibly clicks shut. Megatron lets out a pleased rumble from his vocalizer at his compliance. What Shockwave brought forth was certainly interesting.
“If this experiment of yours is to work, Shockwave, our ranks shall never know hunger on this dreadful planet again. Dismissed.” Megatron waves a dismissive servo along with his command, “Soundwave—remain.”
Soundwave, who had remained silent as the others conversed, stands before Megatron as the others leave. “Acknowledgement: Soundwave on standby.”
“Inform the Vehicons of this new mission of ours; have them gather the necessary Earth plant life along with ‘solar panels’ for Shockwave’s experimentation.”
Soundwave bows his helm respectfully, “Command: Understood. Statement: Soundwave will Groundbridge Vehicons to Earth for resource gathering.”
“Excellent,” Megatron’s voice drips with smug satisfaction. “And have Laserbeak keep an optic on Starscream. Who knows what foolish sabotage the treacherous Seeker has planned.”